Authors note
Ok just to say that Haraldor's age at this time is still eighteen at this time and if his age changes by the end of the chapter I will let you know. Also I never said that Haraldor wouldn't adopt any kids. It's just that he hasn't thought about children yet and also hasn't met any orphans that are in need of adoption yet. I also would say that if Harry had any kids now or soon that yes he would be a young father but in the elder scrolls universe I would think that being a young father isn't a huge deal because I would think that people would get married around their teens to early twenties. Also want to say sorry about the whole biography that Harry gave Isran but when I wrote that part of the story I was just not thinking about how that would honestly be odd for him to just tell his life story to a complete stranger. I worked on that part of the story late at night and didn't check it the next day as I continued writing. Well anyways since I am done with this early authors note all I have to say is enjoy and toodles my lovely readers!!!!
Inside castle Volkihar
Well all Haraldor had to say about this place is that the outside appearance matched the inside of it. A creepy old ruined castle that stood out like a sore thumb that is most definitely filled with undead creatures. The gatekeeper that opened the portcullis was an old nord that was clearly a thrall under some vampire most likely the lord of this place. He was surprised to see Serana when she came in sight and hurriedly let her pass saying that she was returning from a long trip. He didn't seem to notice Haraldor as he walked behind Serana inside the castle.
Inside the castle Haraldor was met with a stuck up high elf who was clearly a vampire by his eyes and how his face was more gaunt than a regular High elf looked. "Who are you to dare come into the halls of… Oh I didn't see you there lady Serana." The elf tried to berate Haraldor for apparently trespassing or that he thought of him as superior, probably both but the elf stopped when he saw Serana next to Haraldor. The elf quickly fixed his appearance and hurried to a landing above a stairwell down to a dining hall and called out "It brings me great pleasure to announce that Lady Serana has returned home." That got everyone in the hall to pay attention as Haraldor and Serana walked down the stairs to the dining hall and made their way to the head table where a Nord vampire stood up and began walking to meet them. "My long lost daughter returns at last. I trust you have my Elder Scroll?" The nord who Haraldor assumed was Serana's father said as he came to stop before them midway in the hall. "After all these years, that's the first thing you ask me? Yes, I have the scroll." Serana said in a flat voice to her father. "Of course I'm delighted to see you, my daughter. Must I really say the words aloud? Ah, if only your traitor mother were here, I would let her watch this reunion before putting her head on a spike. Now tell me, who is this stranger you have brought into our hall?" Her father replied to her quickly.
When the conversation between the two vampires was going on Haraldor took to looking around the hall he saw blood stained goblets and even live humans on the table in a dazed state that couldn't do anything about it. He didn't really pay attention to the conversation until he was mentioned by Serana as being her savior and her father asked "Who are you?" That earned the vampire a quick assessment. "My name is Haraldor Stormbreath. I assume you are the lord of this hall and I would like to know your name so I can correctly address you." Haraldor said using his lessons in politics he had to go through when he was younger. To his relief the Vampire was amused by his reply. "Well I see that you are well versed in the ways of politics and are not a common thug or lucky adventurer that managed to free my daughter. As for your question, my title is Lord Harkon and I am indeed the lord of this castle." Harkon replied to Haraldor. "Well Lord, I was taught from a young age in the arts of politics but I see that you have a question to ask me and I am sorry for interrupting you." Haraldor said and realized that Harkon was not finished. "It is no trouble my boy you are forgiven. As for my question I assume that during your travels you found out what our nature is from my daughter?" Harkon asked Haraldor and saying 'my boy' didn't sit well with Haraldor. "Well my lord I have found out that you and others here are vampires that are far older than when the empire was formed making you more powerful than most vampires." That response from Haraldor made Harkon reveal his fangs with a large smile. "Well yes we are vampires and we are powerful since we have been around for a long time. We lived here for centuries far from the cares of the world until my wife betrayed and stole what I most value." Harkon said and he seemed to gain a darker look on his face.
"Well Lord Harkon I can say that I am glad to see a family reunited despite the fact that the family are vampires." Haraldor said to Lord Harkon who was nodding. "Well yes my boy I am glad you brought back what I find most precious to me." That statement was more directed to the Elder Scroll on his daughter's back than his actual daughter which seemed to bring down his daughter's emotions. "And since you have done such a deed I do think that you deserve a reward." Harkon continued. "Lord Harkon may I know what is the nature of such a gift?" Haraldor asked the vampire lord. "My offer is my blood. Take it, and you will walk as a lion among sheep. Men will tremble at your approach, and you will never fear death again. It can cleanse the filth I smell on you for being a werewolf from your blood. This is my offer. Will you take it?" Harkon told Haraldor. "Well my lord I have just a few things to say. First I am not a werewolf but have friends with them, second I humbly decline your offer of your blood because I have no wish to live forever and be cursed from visiting the halls of Sovngarde so I can be with my ancestors in those halls, lastly I ask instead that I can have copies of the history of your coven and any spells that you have made or found. I ask these things because I am a scholar and a warrior at heart. I know that your offered gift is most valuable but I do not wish to have something so great but instead ask for something lesser and the ability to part with you with good graces and not with scorn." Haraldor countered Harkon's offer and carefully tread with his words for he would not anger the vampire lord causing the man to not gain knowledge on this creature so that the Dawnguard can have more of a chance against their enemies.
Harkon mulled over the words that were spoken by this Breton before him. Most men and Mer would jump at the opportunity to take of his blood but this Haraldor who was powerful in magic refused it for knowledge and parting on good terms. "Well it saddens me that such a powerful man would not take part of my blood. I can see that you understand what power you are rejecting. As thus I would have banished you from my hold but since you understand and humble yourself to only ask for knowledge I will grant you your request. I would ask you to wait for your request to be filled and then you can leave without being banished and never to return. For I hope that you shall reconsider the offer I presented and thus I would leave it open for you to come here as you wish and if you wish to be my blood I will allow it." Harkon agreed to the terms and held an open invitation to the castle in hopes that Haraldor would join him in undeath and be another pawn to play in his schemes. A powerful pawn Haraldor would be if he was to join his court. "I would thank you Lord Harkon and I may come to visit if I can and would like to further my research on the vampires of Nirn. I will wait for the tomes that you will bring to me." Haraldor said playing the game that has been set because he knew that this vampire would want him as a pawn for his schemes and Haraldor would never be anyone's pawn.
It took some hours for all the different scrolls and tomes were given to Haraldor and he was set off to Fort Dawnguard and report what has transpired since he had left. First Haraldor would go check on the progress of the construction of his manor at the border of Dawnstar and Whiterun. Haraldor made his way out and headed to the boat he had used to get to the island where the castle was situated, noticing an abandoned watch tower on the edge of the island that overlooked the pathway to the castle and the beach so that it can track who comes in and goes out. It can be used as a place for the dawnguard to place scouts to gain information of the movements of the vampires here. He made his way across the straight back to the mainland where he would travel to where his manor was being built. The trip from where the boat hit shore to his new manor that was being built was a long five months. It took that long because Haraldor got lost on his way through the swamps of Morthal, he had went around a clearing where he saw what looked to be a troll nesting place that was weirdly not a messy disgusting place but was clean and had some semblance of organization, and finally dodged the thalmor patrols that took people who were accused of worshiping talos and the roaming groups of stormcloaks that seem to pick fights with a lot of people.
When he finally made it he was surprised to see that the place had walls and a roof. All the structure was built on the outside. Haraldor went to the door and knocked. It took a while before the door was open to reveal Farkas and the idiot was grinning like a sabercat finding a delicious meal. "Well look what the night brought to the door. I'll be nice to see you brother. How was your adventure to that tomb in the mountains near dawnstar?" Farkas said letting Haraldor enter the entrance hall and seeing cases that were empty, weapon racks empty, and mounted animal heads. Haraldor was impressed with the place so far and responded to Farkas "Well first let me say that I will tell you after I had some rest and a meal. Can you show me around the manor so I can see what you have done to the place?" Farkas laughed "Ah yes you must be weary from your journey and I will show you around your freshly built manor. Also I have not seen you this tired since the time you had to deal with a tiny troll." Haraldor sighed "Ah well the thing snuck up on me when I was laying in camp. The little bugger took my armor and a sword before leaving. The look in the eyes of that tiny troll held an intelligence brother." Farkas laughed louder "Well I was there and saw the thing run off with some things but did not see no intelligence in the creature but saw you make a fool of yourself. Well now Haraldor it was quick to build this place with the help of the new welps at the companions and I think that we were far better than the ones that joined recently." Farkas finished as he showed every room that was ready for Haraldor and Brelyna to make this into a home. Haraldor thanked Farkas and found a letter on the master bed addressed to him. It was from Brelyna so Haraldor opened the letter which was about two months old by the date on the letter.
'Dear Haraldor, About a month after you left on your journey to that tomb, I found out that I am expecting a child. It was a surprise to me and I was saddened that you were not around to celebrate the news with me but I am hoping this letter will find you. I learned from Farkas that you had attained land and were wanting to build a home. I will be happy to move there once I have our child because I am more vulnerable in my condition. I hope that you are well and hope to see you soon. With love Brelyna Maryon.'
With that shocking news Haraldor fell asleep. The next day he told his story to Farkas and learning the spells he had gotten from the vampire lord plus putting up the tomes so he had less weight to make his journey to fort dawnguard with haste. Once he had his not needed gear put away where it should be Haraldor made his way to Whiterun to inform his father the news that he was a grandfather. Haraldor packed his things on the horse he had left at fort dawnguard and rode to the city. It was a shock to Farengar that he was a grandfather but he was just in a joyful state which surprised the woman and the strange figure that came to see him later that day. Haraldor had already left the jarl's palace and was making his way to the gate when he saw a girl trying to sell flowers. "Hello mister, would you like to buy some flowers?" The little girl was an imperial child who looked like she had seen better days. "Hello little one, why are you all alone? Where are your parents?" Haraldor asked the little girl who looked down in sadness. "Well sir, they died last winter." The girl simply said, which tugged on Haraldor's heartstrings. "What's your name and how old are you?" Haraldor asked gently. "Well sir my name is Lucia and I am four winters old." Lucia replied to Haraldor's inquiry. "Well Lucia, how would you like to have a new father and mother? If you are willing, my wife and I can adopt you." Haraldor asked Lucia who's little face lit up with happiness and she asked "Really mister? You and your wife would like to be my new papa and mama?" All Haraldor did was nod yes which caused the girl to run up and hug his leg. "Well little one I am on my way to see my wife so would you like to join me to meet her? You will have a new little brother or sister soon." Haraldor said which the little girl quickly agreed to and they made their way to Fort Dawnguard.
It took three more months to get to the fort and when he got there he saw vampires fall before the defenses of the fort. They made their way into the main part of the fort. When he and Lucia entered the fort the portcullises suddenly raised up and an opening in the roof focused the sun's light in the area that Haraldor and Lucia was trapped in. After a couple of minutes the portcullises lowered and on a balcony stood Isran. "Well glad to see you back Haraldor and that you weren't turned into a blood sucker. Meet me in the war room to report your findings. Your wife has something to show you when you get the chance." With those words Isran walked off.
Haraldor made his way to where he could hear his wife's voice and when he got to the room she was in Lucia came from behind his legs and asked "Is the pretty lady my new mommy?" Haraldor bent his knee so he could be on her level. "Yes Lucia, that is your new mommy." As soon as those words left his mouth Lucia ran up to the form of Brelyna and hugged her. Brelyna, surprised, turned around and saw Lucia hugging her then saw a grinning Haraldor in the doorway. "Hello Brelyna I am back, sorry I was not here to see you give birth to our child. Before you ask, the little girl hugging you is Lucia and I adopted her because she didn't have any one and was on the streets of whiterun." Haraldor said as he walked up to Brelyna and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Well Haraldor I am glad to see you back and well. I have a surprise for you that Lucia would like to see." Brelyna said and turned back around and picked up two bundles and gave one to Haraldor while holding the other. In the bundle in Haraldor's arms is a little boy and in Brelyna's was a little girl. "Well Haraldor we have a daughter and a son." Brelyna said with a smile on her face and Haraldor had to sit down at this because it was shocking. Lucia looked at the two babies in either of her new parent's arms. "Did you name them yet?" Haraaldor asked with a distinct crack in his voice. Brelyna shook her head and said "I haven't yet. I wanted you to be here before I name them so we can name them together." with that they went through some names and eventually settled on. His new son's name was Jalngr Haraldorson and his twin sister was named Hela Haraldorsdottir.
After Haraldor talked to Brelyna about moving their small family into the manor between Whiterun and Dawnstar. They decided that they would do that after Haraldor gave his news to Isran. Haraldor found Isran standing over a map of skyrim. "Ah Haraldor your back and done talking with your wife. Now what did you find at the tomb?" Isran asked Haraldor when Haraldor was in sight. "Isran we have a problem. Inside the tomb I found a woman who was trapped inside a puzzle who was a vampire with an elder scroll on her back. I had to bring her to her home which is full of vampires that predate the empire. I was not able to get ahold of the scroll and wasn't able to kill any of them because if I did I would have been most definitely killed. I was offered the choice to become a vampire but refused and instead asked for history about them and any spells they use and I was able to question the vampire I brought to that castle who was named Serana about vampirism and I have done research on several creatures that the vampires use. I also know the location of the vampires and a perfect scouting place on the island. I have been allowed to visit the place if I wish, which I can use to gain more knowledge of our enemy." Haraldor was blunt and to the point about his journey and what happened. Isran didn't look too great when learning about the vampires having an Elder Scroll. "It is grave news that the leeches have a scroll but you are lucky to be alive. Now what can you tell me about the research you obtained on them." Isran said to Haraldor. "Well there are only three creatures you need to note because they are very deadly if not careful. The most deadly is a vampire lord which is the most powerful type of vampire especially with age. They have strength of ten nords and can wield magic and have a draining spell they can use in beast form that doesn't need to be bitten to have your life drained away. They can change between beast and man form at will and can summon gargoyles. The best way to kill one is unknown at the moment. Gargoyles are stone skinned creatures that can pass off as statues which there are statues of gargoyles on the bridge to the front gate. Their skin is like stone and can shatter blades and tear through steel like butter. I found that out painfully when exiting the tomb. They are no smarter than beasts but their claws can absorb life essence when they cut you. The best way to deal with them is not to be caught off guard and to use blunt weapons like maces and war hammers or destruction magic. The last creature they have at their disposal are Death Hounds. They are wolves or dogs that have been killed and raised back to life with a special run collar that empowers them. They attack like any hound would but be warned their bite is as cold as the grave. They are easy to deal with if you know how to defend against wolves or hounds."
Haraldor finished his long winded explanation about his research and Isran took it to heart. Haraldor told him about the watch tower and how it can be used to watch their enemy's movements. That made Isran nod in agreement with that idea. Eventually the meeting between the two ended and Haraldor got a mission to find and bring back three people. One was a male nord who was a hunter and knew how to train trolls, the next one was a female breton who was very enthusiastic about dwemer technology, and lastly was an imperial priest who claims to have a connection with Arkay. Haraldor agreed with the mission to find these people for Isran and the Dawnguard. He was able to bring his small family to his manor and got them settled in which took a year. After naming Vilkas and Farkas as godparents to his children and being uncles to them since they were brothers in all but blood Haraldor made his way to find these people.
The first person he found was Sorine Jurard who was a bright breton but was a little forgetful when she really got into her work. He was able to get her to accompany him to find the others and join the dawnguard when they get to the fort. The next was Florentius Baenius who was trapped in a barrow with enthralled Vigilants of Stendarr and after breaking him out they continued their search together for the last person to be found. Gunmar was the hardest to track because he was concently on the move to hunt some sort of beast that threatened people. They found him outside a cave where a bear had made it it's den. They helped clear it out of the animals inside and he accepted the offer to join the Dawnguard. With that the four made their way to the fort where Isran did the sun thing again to make sure they were not vampires. After all this traveling Haraldor had done for the past year he was happy he would be able to go back to his family but that was dashed when Isran spoke up. "Haraldor, we have something to discuss in regards to that woman you found in the tomb." With that Haraldor made his way to the torcher chamber of the fort. There sitting at a table was Serana and with her the Elder Scroll she had when he last saw her.
"Well this leach came a month ago looking for you saying that there was something important she needed to tell you." Isran said gruffly not liking Serana's presence that much. "Hello Haraldor, I haven't seen you for two years and you have been busy. The reason I am here is because my father has gone mad. He has been stuck on learning what this Elder Scroll has on it so that he can in his mind bring a new prosperous age for vampires everywhere. He already has been sending out rumors to attract a moth priest which if the rumors I have been hearing lately are true then those rumors he started are paying out." Serana responded not giving any sign that she was offended by Isran's distaste for her. "Well Serana that is concerning but what can we do about it? We don't even know where they are." Haraldor said, earning a nod from Serana and Isran. "I will get some people looking for that moth priest. The leach also has another thing to ask of you, Haraldor. I know that you long to go home to your family but just hear it out, friend." Isran put in his thoughts. "Well Haraldor I am asking if you can help me find my mother. I don't know where she went because she was the one to seal me inside of the crypt that you got me out of." Serana asked him with pleading eyes. "I need to know why she did that, Haraldor." That was the point that Haraldor agreed to her request.
Haraldor made preparations that took a month because he needed to forge two new axes to regain the two he lost against that gargoyle. He was making the axes out of ebony and what haraldor found was genuine dragon bone. That has been available since the dragons came back and some random Nord got the best thing to happen and was proclaimed as the dragon born. Haraldor met the guy on his travels looking for the people that Isran wanted to join. They shared a camp that night talking about their travels and such. The guy gave dragon bones to Haraldor just saying that he could do what he wanted with them. That was a year ago and from what he heard the guy actually went to Sovngarde to defeat Alduin. It was interesting to have had a chance encounter with the guy but now he made his two axes to a legendary quality of work. If he ever saw the Dragon born again he would happily host him in his manor.
Age of Haraldor now: 21 years old